Hi ADAPT, my name is James. I’ve known Talia for more than four months now, and I have the distinct pleasure to say that I’ve spent most of that time dating her. We met online and she took an interest in me, four months later I still can’t figure out why. After these four months, I’m madly in love with her. That’s the reason why I’m taking the time to write this.

On the night of our first date, the very first time we met face-to-face, Talia informed me that she suffered from depression. At first, I was mildly put-off; a previous girlfriend had also suffered from depression and I had seen what a challenge it was to live with. But something inside me wouldn’t let Talia’s depression scare me away, I was too enamored with her for that. Instead I asked her if there was anything I could do to help her. She looked me in the eyes and said “that’s the best possible thing you could have said to me.”

At first, it didn’t seem like her depression was very severe, it hardly seemed to affect her at all. However, as our mutual trust grew and our romance developed it became much more clear. By the time she told me that she loved me, I had seen much more of Talia’s condition. I had seen how every day was a struggle for her. I’d been a shoulder for her to cry on – sometimes she’d cry for no reason, unable to describe her feelings. And none of it phased me or began to scare me away from her. Not one bit.

You see, I love Talia. I love her as much as someone can after four months, maybe even more than I should after such a short time. And I know that beneath the daily struggle, beneath the tears, is a woman who is entirely worthy of love – a woman who deserves someone to stand by her. I pray that I can be that man. I have to talk to Talia in her times of need and self-doubt. I have to remind her that she is an amazing woman who has overcome so much and should be proud of herself. I have to be patient to deal with her, sometimes. But I don’t get frustrated with her, because I remind myself how much harder things are for her.

I will continue to write posts for ADAPT when I am able, and I will continue to love Talia, depression and all. I only hope she will learn to love herself someday too.